ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

THESIS STATEMENT in ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS

y
y The argumentative thesis takes a side of an issue; frequently it proposes an approach of action which is often expressed with the modal should. In the argument concerning the nuclear power plant, the thesis for a paper on this topic might be: Governments should ban further construction of nuclear power plants. y Someone else might argue: The U.S should continue building nuclear power plants. PRACTICE 1: Thesis Statement
Study the following thesis statements. Put A in the blank if the statement is argumentative. Be careful! A statement having should as part of the verb is not automatically argumentative.

1. __The earthquake in Glck, Turkey, was one of the most destructive in history. 2. __ Prospective* parents should be required to get licenses in order to have children.
(Prospective: future, expected

3. __ The building codes in Las Vegas, Nevada, are inadequate*. (Inadequate: not enough) 4. __ Some of the Americans I have met are quite hospitable. 5. __ Students should have a say in the hiring and firing of teachers. 6. __ Pornographic books ought to be banned from the library. 7. __ State University should not have a football team. 8. __The citizens of this state should be allowed to carry guns. 9. __ The United States ought to allow more immigrants into this country. y

OUTLINE of an ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

INTRODUCTION Introduction: Background about the topic Thesis statement: .. BODY I. Pro(for/in support of) argument: (stronger argument that supports your opinion) II. Pro(for/in support of) argument: (strongest argument that supports your opinion) III. Con (against/negative): (Counter/oppose arguments and your refutation) CONCLUSION Summary, solution, prediction, or recommendation

y USEFUL TIPS for ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS

To write well developed paragraphs:         Avoid strong feelings (dont say: nobody does this, or it is impossible to disagree with me) Use generalizations (e.g. people say/believe/consider) Do not use generalization (e.g. everybody believes that..) Do not use strong personal expressions (e.g. I think) Use linking words (e.g. therefore, although, however etc.) Use sequencing (e.g. firstly, secondly, lastly) Make reference to other sources (e.g. The government claims that) Give examples not personal thoughts (e.g. products such as sprayer can destroy the environment)  Give up banal introductions. Write something more original (Dont write: This topic has been important since ancient times. When? Too vague = unclear)

The Right to Die

A difficult problem that is facing society is euthanasia, another word for mercy killing. Thousands of young people are mortally ill because of incurable disease. They are all kept alive in artificial ways. They have no chance to recover completely, but most of the legal systems do not allow doctors to end their lives. However, fatally ill patients should be allowed to die for several reasons. The first reason is that medical costs are very high. The cost of a hospital room can be as much as a hundred dollars per day and even more. The costs of medicines and medical tests are also high. The family of the patient is responsible for these expenses. Consequently, they would be a terrible financial burden for them for a long time. The second reason is that the family suffers. The nurses can only give the terminally ill patient minimum care. The family must spend time to care for the special needs of their loved one. They should talk, touch, and hold the patient even though he or she may be in a coma. For example, Karen Quinlans parents visited her every day even though she was unable to speak or to see. Also, it is very difficult to watch a loved one in a coma because his or her condition does not improve. The third and most important reason is that the patients have no chance of recovery. They can never lead normal lives and must be kept alive by life support machines. They may need a machine to breathe and a feeding tube to take in food. They are more dead than alive and will never get better. For example, in 1975, Karen Quinlan became unconscious after the she swallowed some drugs and drank alcohol. She was kept alive by machines. Her parents knew that her body and brain would never be normal. Therefore, they asked the court to allow their daughter to die. The judge agreed, and Karens breathing machine was turned off. She was able to breathe on her own, but she died nine years later in June of 1985. In conclusion, because terminally ill patients have no chance to live normal lives, they should be allowed to die with dignity. Therefore, the family should have the right to ask to turn off the lifesupport machines or to stop further medical treatment. (397 words) (dignity: selfrespect, pride)

1. 2. 3. 4.

Underline the thesis statement. Underline the topic sentences that give reasons. Circle the transition signals What words begin each of the topic sentences?
To add more points to point: what is more furthermore also in addition to besides apart from this/that on the other hand however in spite of while nevertheless despite even though taking everything account to sum up all in all
all things

TRANSITION WORDS
To list points the same topic: one major advantage of one major disadvantage of a further advantage
considered

To make contrasting

To conclude

one point of view in favour of in the first place first of all to start with stated secondly thirdly finally last but not least

in conclusion on the whole above all as previously

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY TOPICS Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Boys and girls should attend separate schools. Technology has made the world a better place to live. Children should begin learning a foreign language as soon as they start school. There is nothing that young people can teach older people. Only people who earn a lot of money are successful. Police are unnecessary because they arent reducing crime Wars are always wrong.

8. 9. 10.

Animals should not be used as laboratory tools. All genetic engineering should be banned. Animals shouldnt be kept in zoos.